THE RAMBLINGS OF A STRUGGLING ARTIST ON LIFE WITH TWO TERRIERS, A PONY WITH ISSUES AND OTHER WILDLIFE AND BIRDS THAT CROSS OUR PATH

20 May 2015

TEMPORARY RADIO SILENCE

Hello everybody. Last Friday, on my birthday, my mum took a turn for the worse and has been in hospital ever since. I think a lot of it is related to the fact that we go on holiday for a week to the Wye Valley in a couple of days, and she is terrified of my absence. However, I must go, for all sorts of reasons. I won't be blogging for a bit as I'm juggling so much stuff I sometimes think my head will explode and I feel like I'm teetering on the edge of a cliff. I won't fall. I know many of you have been through bad times like this and will understand. I miss reading all those of you who blog too but, realistically, I have no time to do so at the moment. I WILL BE BACK. So, until next time, my love to all and I can't wait to catch up really soon. I have SO many photos......Em XX

My late mother suffered from anxiety attacks--often inconvenient for the family. I hope getting to your holiday destination is less dramatic [traumatic] than last year's flight. You need a rest--a long stretch of daunting challenges.

Oh Em, you must so wish the world would just slow down for a moment - I well remember the feeling, and sympathise immensely. We'll be sending strong thoughts your way until we hear you're over the worst. Warm thoughts and prayers

I never say I know how anyone feels, because I don't, but I kind of do in this case, so yes, totally understand and understand the need for radio silence. I do so hope that your Mum is well enough to go home and be alright while you are away for your much needed break. If not, remember that you need - and deserve - a break and although it is easier said than done, if you need to go and as long as she is safe and cared for, then you need to go. Most of all massive hugs, and all good thoughts and best wishes to you and your Mum and that you have a good time away. I will be thinking of you. xx

I hope you can enjoy your week out. Just remember your Mum is in Hospital and will be taken care of. Better now than on your first day of holiday.Some days my mantra is "I am doing the best I can". I am keeping you in my heart.The first photo looks just like thehamish.

So sorry you have mother troubles. I do empathise as my mum gets the shakes and wobbles and feels she cannot do anything and I have to go and calm and settle her down. We just have to love them and care for them while we can. You can only do what you can do; you need your holiday and that is not being selfish it will recharge you and give you the boost to cope with mum on your return. Mum will be well cared for in your absence - go enjoy your break and I look forward to seeing your beautiful photographs on your return. Have a lovely break.

Sorry your mum has been poorly....I used to get the same reaction from an Aunt, predictable every time we were due to go away ---- I ended up only telling her the day before we were due to go in order to save the grief (for whom I'm not sure though!!) ...heyho, we coped as you will. Have a lovely break and look forward to you coming back with good news and feeling refreshed.....ann.

Everyone needs a break at some point if their not to tip over the edge. There is only so much juggling you can do isn't there. Enjoy your break and look forward to hearing from the new and refreshed Em on your return.

Oh Em - what rotten timing for your mum to "take a turn". Please enjoy your holiday in the Wye Valley. You're not that far from us - so feel free to beetle along the A40 and admire my cobwebs and dust bunnies! I will bake a Special Cake - one of my Mile High sponges with strawberries and cream if you like that sort of thing! Meanwhile, try not to worry too much about your mum.

You know your Mum is safe and being cared for, Em. Please put her in a little corner of your thoughts and just relax as much as you can. We all need time to re-charge our batteries so that we can come back refreshed and rested. I look forward to those photos when you return.

So sorry to hear your news. I hope your Mum is Ok and you manage to get away. We have been in similar circumstances and it is so hard trying to juggle everything and be there for everyone. Thinking of you. Sarah x

Em, I hope by now that you have had a relaxing week in the Wye Valley and that all will be as well as possible with your mother when you return home. With a bit of luck, your batteries will be re-charged and you will once again be able to enjoy your rambles across Dartmoor with those happy dogs. Pace yourself with all you need to do and take time out for YOU. One thing that occurred to me - would a change of background colour on your blog help to brighten things up for you, rather than the current grey? Maybe a pale green or blue? (It would also help to make the black font stand out better ;)) xxx

Hi Em, sorry to hear the bad news about your Mum. Hopefully she is ok by now and you are relaxing somewhere! I had a catch up on your blog and I missed some stunning photos, I loved the buzzard and the adder particularly! Just incredible!

I suspect that everyone who has enjoyed your blog is thinking of you, Em. We can only hope that you are OK and that you will soon feel able to come back to us. In the meantime, know that you are in our thoughts and we send you love and hugs (((((Em))))) xx